Residents will see much-needed infrastructure improvements on their streets

By Meaghan Archer

(SHANNON QUESNEL / iNFOnews.ca)

October 23, 2014 - 11:19 AM

PENTICTON - Residents of Corry Place will see much-needed infrastructure improvements on their street, however council is concerned the cost ratio split between residents and the city could set a precedent for similar projects in the future.

Garry Gratton, Corry Place resident and council candidate, spoke to council at Monday night’s council meeting about the need for infrastructure improvements on the residential street.

City staff presented plan options to residents of Corry Place in September, and a decision has since been made. Council’s discussion of the plan, which includes road paving, underground electric, and creation of a curb, focused on cost splits and plan amendments.

There are a handful of payment options that split the costs between residents and the city, which still need to be reviewed by staff and council.

It is possible that the next council will make the final decision on the project and costs split by residents and the city. Some councillors are concerned that if they are too lenient with the costs covered by the city, that other neighbourhoods may expect the same, or similar treatment in the future when their streets need upgrades.

“I believe the next council needs to think long and hard about this because… there will be many, many more neighbourhoods in Penticton coming forward that have basic infrastructure issues that need to be met immediately,” said Coun. Helena Konanz.

The residents of Corry Place have waited many years to see infrastructure changes, and after many requests placed to City Hall, they will finally see upgrades. Coun. John Vassilaki said the city should continually make infrastructure improvements and maintain residential streets, rather than let all the damages build up over years, and have a big mess to clean up all at once.

“We should come to some kind of understanding now, and vote on those numbers in December when the new council is taking over,” he said.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

OPINION At least part of me wasn’t sure I should write this, given what happened last time. It was August 15, 2003 and like many Thursdays before it, I was scratching around for a column idea. The summer newsroom